PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION seeks to step away from the notion of the public sphere as a location of wholly rational discourse and turn instead towards the multiple meanings or uses of public feelings. We are interested in the specificity or uniqueness of emotions and how they shape historical moments and geographic sites. We invite proposals from across disciplines, research interests and theoretical pursuits that engage with P.D.A. through texts or specific forms of display—museums, galleries, mass media, film, theatres, festivals, etc.

Possible areas of inquiry within these situations of display might include, but are not limited to: nationalism, political protest, public/private space, public sex, marriage and the family, feminism, racial and class dynamics, queer history and theory, as well as empathy, sentiment, depression, rage and other kinds of affect.

***DEADLINE for submissions: January 30, 2005***

Submissions for 20-minute papers should be in abstract form (250-500 words). A self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany all submissions requiring return. Please include e-mail addresses with all submissions whenever possible.